John Shrewsbury Barnes was born September 25, 1900, at Nashville,
Tenn. After the death of his mother when he was about five years of
age, John lived with his uncle, Andrew Roy of this city, for
two years. He returned to Nashville and pursued an educational
career with a high degree of success. Being of a studious mind, he
completed the elementary school and the high school at a much earlier
age than the average student. For a brief period of time he was also
a student at the Tennessee University.
Not only did John Barnes have a keen mind and an aptitude for
mastering intellectual work, but a highly developed aesthetic nature.
He loved music. During his school days he learned to play a cornet,
and while at Nashville he played with different bands and orchestras.
It was with the purpose of identifying himself with a musical
organization that he came to Evansville in 1917.
When America entered the world war and called on her citizens
for help, John Shrewsbury Barnes, though lacking several years of
reaching his majority, responded. He tried to enter the navy, but
was rejected because of small stature. He was only sixteen years of
age, but realizing the need of the hour, told the recruiting officer
that he was eighteen years and six months old, and became a member of
Troop A, under Capt. Norcross of this city. His training in this
country was received at Hattiesburg, Miss., in 151st Infantry,
Headquarters Company. On June 1, 1917 he landed in France. He was
engaged in the battles of the Argonne Forest, and was missed
October 1, 1918.
An estimate of the fighting in which John Shrewsbury Barnes
participated may be obtained from General Pershing's official report
for October 1, 1918, which said: "During the day we advanced our
lines in the forest of Argonne. Further to the east our patrols have
passed beyond Cierges and are operating north of that point on the
road from Exermont to Gesner, maintaining contact with the enemy.
In the north our troops are advancing with the French and British
and participating in their success."
A statement from the French war office for the same day, said:
'Attacks conducted by the first army in conjunction with the British
in the region of St. Quentin yesterday, obtained important results. We
have penetrated St. Quentin as far as the Canal. The enemy resisted
obstinately."
On October 12, 1918 John Shrewsbury Barnes was found dead on the
field of honor.
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Sons of Men: Evansville's War Record,
Compiled by Heiman Blatt,
Published by Abe P. Madison, 1920
pp32-33.